(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Health if it is his policy to give priority to primary health care in the health services; and, if so, the measures he has taken to implement this policy.
Written Answers. - Primary Health Care.
27.
It is my intention and has been by practice to give priority to the development of primary health care services. This is in keeping with the international recognition that primary health care is the foundation for an effective health care system. The scope for giving effect to this policy is, of course, constrained by the weight of existing commitments. However, the national plan, Building on Reality, contains a firm commitment to bring about a redistribution away from institutionalised services to community-based services in the medium to long term. Already substantial progress has been made in strengthening the principles of primary health care which, as the Deputy will be aware, is of relevance for all sectors of health care and not just services provided outside institutions. I am arranging for the Deputy to be sent a detailed progress report on developments in the health services since January 1983 which identifies particular measures which have been taken in the primary health care area. I would refer here specially to the additional resources made available to the Health Education Bureau and the introduction of the measles eradication scheme as examples of progress in this regard.